[Kalamazoo Community Foundation](https://www.kalfound.org)

Rolling (Weekly review of requests)

Amount varies; typically one-time awards based on need and available resources.

Provides rapid, flexible funding to support Kalamazoo County’s response and recovery during community crises and natural disasters.

Open for requests related to the May 7, 2024 tornadoes; nonprofits, public entities, and fiscally sponsored groups eligible.

--- ## Description The Community Urgent Relief Fund (CURF), managed by the Kalamazoo Community Foundation, is designed to provide immediate, flexible support in response to community crises and natural disasters affecting Kalamazoo County. The fund enables rapid deployment of resources to nonprofit partners, public entities, and fiscally sponsored groups serving residents impacted by emergencies such as tornadoes, floods, economic downturns, and other disruptive events. CURF prioritizes support for those most vulnerable, including BIPOC communities, older adults, people with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ individuals, and households below the ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) threshold. --- ## Due Dates - Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. - Requests are reviewed weekly. - The fund is currently open for needs related to the May 7, 2024 tornadoes. --- ## Funding Amount - Award amounts vary depending on the specific needs and available resources. - Funding is typically provided as a one-time award. - There is no published maximum or minimum; awards are tailored to the scale of the crisis and applicant needs. --- ## Eligibility - 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. - Groups or individuals working with a 501(c)(3) fiscal sponsor. - Public entities (such as school districts or municipal departments). - Faith-based organizations. - Applicants must provide direct services to residents or households in Kalamazoo County affected by the relevant crisis. - Individuals and families cannot apply directly; requests must be made through eligible organizations. **Priority is given to organizations and activities that:** - Provide direct cash assistance, temporary housing, critical home repairs, or replace essential items not covered by insurance. - Serve BIPOC communities, older adults, individuals with disabilities, LGBTQIA+ persons, ALICE households, and those facing systemic barriers to government aid. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted online via the [Community Urgent Relief Fund page](https://kzcf.org/funds-in-motion/community-urgent-relief-fund/). - The process is streamlined for rapid response; decisions are typically made within seven days. - Applicants may be required to demonstrate how their work aligns with the fund’s priorities and the immediate needs arising from the crisis. - Fiscal sponsor arrangements are accepted for groups without 501(c)(3) status. --- ## Additional Information - CURF is activated in response to crises that overwhelm local capacity; a formal state of emergency is not required. - The fund is meant to complement, not replace, governmental emergency resources. - Standard cleanup and cosmetic repairs are generally not eligible; focus is on critical life and safety needs. --- ## External Links - [Community Urgent Relief Fund Information & Application](https://kzcf.org/funds-in-motion/community-urgent-relief-fund/) - [CURF & Disaster Relief Fund Fact Sheet (PDF)](https://kzcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/CURF_DRF_Lifeline_Alliance.pdf) - [Kalamazoo Community Foundation Grants Overview](https://kzcf.org/grants/) - [Grant Guide (PDF)](https://kzcf.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/KZCF_2026_GrantGuide_Final.pdf) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Email | Phone | Website | |------------------------|--------------------|---------------|-----------------------------------------------------------| | Kalamazoo Community Foundation | info@kzcf.org | 269.381.4416 | [www.kalfound.org](https://www.kalfound.org) | | Kari Benjamin Hamann (Community Impact Officer) | — | 269.381.4416 | [Contact Form](https://kzcf.org/grants/) |

Community Urgent Relief Fund

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